Chronicle Editor
Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
THE Government has said it will soon be announcing additional penalties for those who are failing to comply with regulations guiding the drilling of boreholes where permits have to be sought from the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa).
It emphasised that it was illegal to drill a borehole in Zimbabwe without the authority from the responsible water body.
The clarity comes amid an outcry from farmers and other villagers who have been visited by Zinwa and were ticketed over failure to comply with the Water Act. According to the Water Act (Chapter 20:24) all borehole owners should register their boreholes with Zinwa or the nearest Catchment Council Offices. All prospective borehole owners should get a permit for the drilling of a borehole from Zinwa or the nearest catchment council offices.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka said they have noted the recent increase in the number of individuals and organisations drilling boreholes without the relevant permits in the country; with some individuals violating certain stipulations.
He said some of the boreholes were being drilled within metres of one another and reminded borehole owners, drillers and prospective borehole owners that groundwater use, just like surface water use, is governed by the Water Act (Chapter 20:24). Section 3 of the Water Act vests all water in the President while Section 4 of the same Act prohibits private ownership of water.
Dr Masuka said in an interview on Friday at Ndiweni Dam in Ward 21, Bulilima District, Matabeleland South Province that water being a finite resource should have its development and use managed in a sustainable manner.
“The Government, through Zinwa and sub-catchment councils, is responsible for assessing and allocating water efficiently, sustainably and equitably, in view of competing water needs by multiple users. Those that drilled boreholes without approval have to be fined heavily. The rainfall that we capture in dams, weirs and lakes, and the underground water is a moving resource for which we must have adequate planning over.”
He said it was critical, especially considering that under the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme, the Government was considering drilling 35 000 boreholes in 35 000 villages, 9 600 boreholes in 9 600 schools that there was compliance with the Water Act.
“We are looking at having 4 800 boreholes, two in each of the 2 400 rural wards.”
Minister Masuka said with more boreholes being drilled in urban areas, there was a need for people to apply and be informed of the nature of the borehole they are going to be drilling.
“Water is a common underground resource. Those that choose not to get approval, I have put a press statement that says everyone has to comply. We have given a compliance deadline after which Zinwa must descend heavily and give penalties. I will be announcing additional penalties for non-compliance so that this God-given resource can be managed more judicially for the equitable benefit of Zimbabweans,” he added.
The ground water department of Zinwa has been involved with borehole drilling and has gained vast amount of knowledge and skills in ground water development in Zimbabwe. The department provides technical advice on ground water planning, development and management to the ministry.
This provides for the development and construction of high-quality boreholes that meet the national standard on the development, maintenance and management of groundwater resources. Zinwa is a State owned enterprise formed in 2000 in terms of the Zinwa Act (Chapter 20:25) and the authority’s mandate is derived from the Zinwa Act and the Water Act (Chapter 20:24).
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter